Events
Join our events
RAeS events deliver expert content, insight and networking across the breadth of technical, engineering and business subjects affecting aerospace professionals.
Our annual calendar of around 20 events of lectures, technical visits, competitions and field trips are designed to support your professional development and industry knowledge.
Inspiring The Next Generation
25 October 2023, 6pm
Rotary aircraft play a strong role in Hong Kong and the Government Flying Services regularly support our lecture programme.
We are pleased to invite Ir Peter Leung, who talk about his participation in the German Open Helicopter Challenge.
The FAI Rotorcraft Commission (CIG) conducts FAI's rotary-wing activities, in particular World Records and International Competitions.
The first machines with flapping wings or with rotary wings (helicopters) were thought up in the late 18th century, or even as early as the late 15th century, if reference is made once more to the work of the genius Leonardo da Vinci on the project he named Helix. In fact, for a long time, research into rotorcraft kept encountering obstacles relating to propulsion and in-flight stability, the factors that control the machine’s movement around three axes: pitch, roll and yaw. Researchers in the field of rotary wings, researchers displayed great inventiveness as from the mid-19th century.
The first world rotorcraft championships were organised in 1971 in Bückeburg. Since the mid-1980s, they have been held on average every three years. The disciplines on the world championship programme especially emphasize the rescue dimension of the helicopter.
Originally from the UK and having flown in the British Army (AAC) much earlier in his career Martin holds pilot licenses from Hong Kong, the U.K. and Australia as well as an FAI sporting license. Martin is a keen GA (private) helicopter pilot with over 500 hours rotary experience, the majority as Pilot in Command. He is type rated on five different helicopters: three piston engine and two turbine.
In a separate capacity Martin works locally as executive for a major ship management company and was appointed Justice of the Peace by Ms Carrie Lam in 2014
Ir Peter Leung holds pilot licenses from Hong Kong with experience in different rotary aircrafts and a FAI sporting license.
Peter is a member of Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, and has been a member of the British Army – Royal Engineers, Team Captain of Hong Kong Helicopter Team, Chief Editor for HeliPaddy in Hong Kong, Game Marker for London Olympic 2012, Event Director for World Helicopter Day (Hong Kong), Flight Lieutenant for Hong Kong Air Cadet Corps, and Committee member for Hong Kong Aviation Club.
Venue : Cathay City, 8 Scenic Rd, Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong International Airport
Date : 25 October 2023
Time : 6pm
JK Swire Annual Dinner & Lecture
Spirit of Innovation
11 November 2023
It is that time of the year for our most prestigious event and we are pleased to welcome back Phill O’Dell after he broke the electric plan air speed record in Accel. He is our guest speaker at this year’s JK Swire Annual Dinner and Lecture.
Phill O’Dell will talk about his life in aviation, from his time in the military, through to his role as Chief Test Pilot and then Director of Flight Operations for the engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce. He’ll focus on the ’Spirit of Innovation’, the all-electric aircraft that propelled the joint team from Electroflight and Rolls-Royce to becoming the world record holders for all-electric flight. A fascinating project that helped pioneer electric aviation. Phill will detail the highs, lows and learning from Project ACCEL in a fascinating journey through the technical and human aspects of the challenge.
Phill O'Dell was, until recently, the Chief Test Pilot and latterly the Director of Flight Operations for Rolls-Royce PLC. During his 21 years with the company he flew a wide variety of aircraft varying from the Rolls-Royce Mk XIX Spitfire, via the Airbus A380, and the Boeing 787 through to the iconic Vulcan, XH 558.
Before joining Rolls-Royce in 2001, Phill was Officer Commanding the Research and Development Flight of the Fast Jet Test Squadron at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire. He joined Rolls-Royce plc in November 2001 having completed 18 years in the Royal Air Force. During his time with the RAF he flew the Buccaneer, was a flying instructor on the Hawk and flew operational sorties with the Jaguar.
Whilst serving with the RAF, he attended the French Test Pilot School at Istres in Provence and flew over 25 aircraft types from the F-14 Tomcat to the Airbus A320.
During his time at Rolls-Royce Phill contributed to a number of major engine development programmes, in particular the Adour Mk 951 upgrade to the Hawk, the Trent 900 for the Airbus A380
and the Trent 1000 for the 787 Dreamliner. He also flew both the Airbus A320 family and the Boeing 777 with British Airways between 2002 and 2007 and the A330 with AirTanker more recently.
He flew the company's in-house Boeing 747 'Classic', Flying Test Bed and the Gulfstream G450.
During his last 3 years at Rolls-Royce he was the project pilot for 'Project ACCEL', Rolls-Royce's all-electric aircraft the 'Spirit of Innovation'. This record breaking aircraft successfully became the fastest all-electric aircraft in the World on the 16th November 2021, by reaching a speed of 345.4 mph over 3 km. During its record-breaking runs, the aircraft achieved a maximum speed of 387.4 mph, which makes the 'Spirit of Innovation' the world's fastest all-electric vehicle.
Outside of work Phill is an ambassador for fly2help, a wonderful charity that allows adults and children to experience the freedom and advantages of flight. He is married to Lizzie, and they have 3 grown up children. His hobbies include golf, (very poor) drumming, skiing and walking!
Members have priority for tickets and seating is limited.
Venue : New World Millennium Hotel, Hong Kong Hotel
72 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
Date : 10 November 2023
Time : 7:30pm
Ticket Price : HKD 600 members, HKD 1200 for non members
When your registration is accepted you will receive an email with payment details. These emails will be sent in mid October.
Annual General Meeting
31 August 2023
The Branch is announcing this year's Annual General Meeting to be held on 31 August 2023. CAD will be hosting the AGM with a visit to their air traffic tower simulator. This is a state of the art 360 degree visual training aid, to train controllers at one of the busiest international airports.
Committee members Mr Jimmy Tang, Mr Joe Cua and Mr Martin Hall are stepping down. Mr Thomas Yeung will be stepping down as Young Members Chairperson.
All other committee members are seeking re-election for the next 2023/2024 session, including Mr Thomas Yeung.
There are 3 vacancies, including Young Member Chairperson, in the next session, and we invite nominations from the Branch membership.
Only Branch Members can attend the AGM.
The venue is limited to 50 Branch Members.
If you wish to be considered for the committee, send your bio and personal details by 6pm Tuesday 15 August 2023. The nominations will be then be published by 16th August 2023.
Venue
Civil Aviation Department Headquarters, 1 Tung Fai Road, Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau
Date : 31 August 2023
Time : 5pm